Arewa

Arewa is a Hausa language term for north, one of the cardinal directions. Its popular usage in contemporary Nigeria sometimes suggests a northern Nigerian regionalism or proto-nationalism. In both Nigeria and Niger Republic, Arewa is the name of very specific historical entities: in Niger and Nigeria a pre-colonial state, and in Nigeria a small local government region.

Specific meanings

In Nigeria, it simply refers to the local term for geopolitical area north of River Niger and River Benue that geographically split Nigeria into north, west and east. In Niger, it has a very specific meaning. Arewa (Niger) is a small pre-colonial animist dominated state of the Dallol Maouri valley, known for the indigenous "Maouri"/"Mawri" Hausa culture. In Nigeria, Arewa Dandi is a "Local Government Area" in Kebbi State, and has been called simply "Arewa" in the past.

In Nigeria, "Arewa" means beautiful one in the Yoruba Language. This is derived from the Yoruba word "ewa", which means beautiful.

Arewa (Niger)

Arewa is a small pre-colonial animist dominated state of the Dallol Maouri valley of Niger, known for the indigenous "Maouri"/"Mawri" Hausa culture.

Contemporary rule

Arewa's traditional leadership contiunes a largely ceremonial reign in the 21st century, centered just north of the town of Dogondoutchi. Arewa, still home to a shrinking animist Hausa community, hosts a yearly religious festival which draws both believers and foreign tourists.

Other usage

Arewa is simply a Hausa language term meaning "northern" or "northerners". Derived from the Hausa word for "North", "Areoun", the "-wa" the typical "People of" suffix, Arewa has several alternate meanings specific to the geography and politics of modern Nigeria, south of Niger.

See also

References

Coordinates: 13°46′N 4°00′E / 13.767°N 4.000°E / 13.767; 4.000